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The Mindspire Blog

All can score in the 99th percentile on any test they teach, have degrees from top universities, at least 3 years test preparation experience, and are completely dedicated to your success.

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What is the Classical Learning Test?

The Classical Learning Test or CLT is a college entrance exam designed to assess students’ readiness for higher education through a humanities-centered approach that focuses on interpretation of classic texts and critical reasoning.

Sophie McCoy
Sophie McCoy
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Last Minute College Essay Tips from LabMom Consulting
Are college admissions deadlines suddenly closer than you realized? Here are ten quick tips for last minute college essay writing and review from Sophie McCoy at LabMom Consulting.
Sophie McCoy
Sophie McCoy
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What We Learned from Ben Urwand of Real College Essays
Last night we had a fantastic webinar with Ben Urwand, founder of Real College Essays, and he dropped some real wisdom on how to approach the college essay. Here are are the highlights!
Shahar Link
Shahar Link
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Meet Ben Urwand: The Mind Behind Real College Essays
When it comes to writing a college essay that truly stands out, there’s no shortage of advice out there—most of it generic, vague, and painfully uninspired, here's how we can help!
Shahar Link
Shahar Link
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3 Essential SAT Reading Strategies That Actually Work
The SAT Reading section is notorious for its trickiness—not because the questions are especially hard, but because the wrong answers are deceptively close to being right. Click to learn more!
Shahar Link
Shahar Link
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How to Get Better at Science Passages on the ACT and SAT – with free resources!
Have you ever read a dense science passage on the ACT or SAT, and at the end, asked yourself, what the heck was that? If so, you’re not alone. Click to learn more!
Shahar Link
Shahar Link
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Not All Admissions Consultants Are Alike: How to Choose the Right One for Your Family
If you’re a parent navigating the college admissions journey, chances are you’ve heard about hiring an admissions consultant. But how do you know who’s the right fit for your family?
Shahar Link
Shahar Link
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6 Questions Parents Ask About College Admissions (That We Love to Answer)
Mark your calendars: Join us for a webinar on Wednesday, June 18 at 7:30pm ET with Alyse Levine, founder of Premium Prep College Counseling! This is not something you want to miss!
Shahar Link
Shahar Link
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The Enhanced Digital ACT: Benefits, Drawbacks, and How to Prepare
Adoption of the Enhanced Digital ACT represents a major shift in how students experience the exam—and in how tutors and test-prep companies guide them. Click to learn more!
Shahar Link
Shahar Link
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5 Major Trends in College Admissions: What Students Need to Know for 2025 and Beyond
College admissions are always changing, influenced by policies, technology, and student well-being. Stay updated on the trends that are important for anyone navigating the path to higher education!
Malissa Takacs
Malissa Takacs
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SAT vs ACT: A Clash of the Titans
Not sure whether to take the SAT or ACT? Our expert guide breaks down key differences in format, content, and strategy, helping you choose the test that best matches your strengths for top scores.
David London
David London
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A coaching mindset
How to choose the right tutoring match for your student — look for this! Read more about how Mindspire's in-depth, hands-on tutor-matching process assures your student is paired with the best coach!
Charly Kuecks
Charly Kuecks
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Define clear goals
On the second day of test prep my tutor gave to me ... frameworks for defining my way! Read more about how committing to clear goals boosts focus, motivation, and helps track progress toward success!
Charly Kuecks
Charly Kuecks
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On the 1st Day of Test Prep, My Tutor Gave to Me ...
With Christmas approaching, Mindspire Prep shares 12 tips to help your student use the school break to prep for the SAT or ACT. Let's kick off the New Year with a strong academic start!
Charly Kuecks
Charly Kuecks
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An Attitude of Gratitude
Read more to learn how embracing gratitude can boost students' well-being, enhance academic performance, and strengthen relationships, creating a positive mindset for success in all areas of life.
Charly Kuecks
Charly Kuecks
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Is College Worth It?
A question that reveals as much about the question asker as anything: Here, we explore the pros and cons of higher education, considering costs, career outcomes, and alternative paths to success!
Charly Kuecks
Charly Kuecks
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Want to be a future veteran? Look into these service academies
Happy Veteran's Day and thank you to all of our veterans for your service! Mindspire partners with Travis Wittick of Academy Endeavors to help your students with their service academy applications!
Charly Kuecks
Charly Kuecks
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A look behind the College Board curtain
Mindspire is much more than just a test prep company: we are a wealth of information! We attend webinars so you don't have to! Click to learn more about what Mindspire can offer you.
Charly Kuecks
Charly Kuecks
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October SAT results drop this Friday
Keep calm and don't fall down a Reddit rabbit hole! SAT test scores now come out 10 days after the testing administration has concluded: just one of the many benefits of the Digital SAT!
Charly Kuecks
Charly Kuecks
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Third Party, Arbitrary College Rankings are Out
Here's why you (mostly) shouldn't care. There are a lot of different factors that make something "the best", but they are largely subjective. Read more to see how you should review college rankings!
Charly Kuecks
Charly Kuecks
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Should you bribe your kids to read?
A recent op-ed in the New York Times described the author, a parent, paying her daughter $100 to finish a book. While some parents might be apprehensive, there might be some merit to this. Read more!
Charly Kuecks
Charly Kuecks
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The law of unintended consequences strikes again
Why SAT scores of admitted students have gone up in the past five years, and what that means for you. Inflated median SAT scores are not the end-all, be-all for your application's success. Read more!
Charly Kuecks
Charly Kuecks
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Prep now (or forever hold your peace)
Why Junior Year is the pivotal year for college admissions and testing. There are a lot of important decisions to make and that can be daunting! Read more about what Mindspire recommends for you!
Charly Kuecks
Charly Kuecks
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The final countdown: what high school Seniors need to know about standardized tests
How to juggle multiple priorities, including the SAT and ACT, in your last year of high school. Every Senior has a full plate so read more how Mindspire can help you better navigate this busy time!
Charly Kuecks
Charly Kuecks
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Don't Sweat It: Test Anxiety and How to Conquer It
Preparation is the key to conquering nerves. Nerves are unavoidable but giving yourself the tools to succeed is key! Read more to learn how Mindspire can help you beat testing anxiety today!
Charly Kuecks
Charly Kuecks
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